Modeling and Characteristic Analysis of a Solar Parabolic Trough System: Thermal Oil as the Heat Transfer Fluid

Abstract

The thermal oil is applied as the heat transfer fluid in a solar parabolic trough collector system. Firstly, the system dynamic model was established and validated by the real operating data in typical summer and spring days in references. Secondly, the alteration characteristics of different solar radiation, inlet water temperature and flow rate, and collectors’ area and length are analyzed and compared with the normal working condition. The model can be used for studying, system designing, and better understanding of the performance of parabolic trough systems.